Specialist, Early Years and Child Care System

Specialist, Early Years and Child Care System

Human Services – Early Years and Child Care Services

Status: 1 Contract Full Time (13 Months) 

Salary Range: $89,469 - $111,834 per annum & Comprehensive Benefits 

Work Mode: Hybrid *see below for more details about this work mode.

Location: 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton, Ontario

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

**Join our diverse team and be part of our vision. Think big. Channel your creativity. Make a difference.
At Peel Region, we can create lasting impact, together.**

Who we are: 
The Early Years and Child Care Services Division is responsible for the local planning, funding and oversight of licensed child care services and EarlyON programs in Peel. Through collaboration and advocacy efforts with internal and external partners, we work together to achieve our goals.

What you will do in this role:

In this role, you will be responsible for operational policy, program development and implementation, to support the Region of Peel’s role as the service system manager for the Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) system.

• Conducts EYCC program research, analysis, and evaluations to inform evidenced based policy development and decision making.
• Develops, implements and evaluates new and existing EYCC program policies and processes.
• Supports implementation strategies for all funding and program policy initiatives in response to system expansion and transformation. This includes evolving provincial and local direction including legislative and regulatory changes, and increased requirements for broader early years system planning.
• Develops responses to proposed EYCC legislative, regulatory, guidelines, and policy changes as well as recommendations and analysis of local policy development in consultation with internal and external partners.
• Gathers, develops and analyzes program outcomes and associated performance measures and accountability frameworks, as well as information trends, issues, gaps and statistics for planning and reporting purposes.
• Supports the service delivery requirements, adherence to provincial guidelines and compliance with regulatory requirements as identified but not limited to the following acts: the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Education Act, Child and Family Services Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act.
• Provides subject matter expertise on projects with internal and external partners, participate on working groups/committees and liaises with other service managers, community and provincial partners as required.
• Develops internal/community partner reports, supports council report process, communications, briefing notes, program guidelines, process maps, implementation guides and service provider resources to support system partners in implementing system transformation and delivering on shared priorities and outcomes.
• Assists in the development of strategic goals for all funding streams under EYCC Funding and supports the ongoing integration of EYCC Funds into technology systems
• Assists in the preparation of plans, strategies and frameworks that anticipate and respond to evolving provincial and direction and Council, Corporate and community priorities.
• Develops communication materials for project and program implementation as well as regularly measures and monitors status.
• Collaborates with both internal and external partners to support transformation initiatives and projects within the early years and child care system.

What the role requires:

• University Degree in human services or related field, such as health or social sciences, business/public administration, and early years and child care, with at least 5 years’ job-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong foundation in research, analytical, program planning policy development, implementation and strategic and project planning.
• Demonstrated experience working in partnership with community partners.
• Experience with lean process management and improvement.
• Knowledge of Early Years and Child Care funding programs, as well as related provincial legislation and policies would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Project Management principles and practices, in addition to strong short term and long term planning with a demonstrated ability to phase in and execute complex and multi-year policies and plans.
• Knowledge of performance measurement and accountability measures to ensure evaluation, adherence to direction and continuous improvement is built into the implementation of frameworks, strategies and plans.
• Experience in applying change management principles and methodologies and the ability to lead as well as manage and support change.

Skills/Abilities: 

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
• Ability to lead, manage, influence and motivate internal and external stakeholders and teams.
• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written; proven ability to present to and facilitate discussions with various audiences both internal and external using a variety of delivery methods.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and political acuity in communications and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of internal and external teams.
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to problem solve and resolve conflict responding with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage time and priorities within a context of multiple competing priorities.
• Knowledge of technology and software systems used to support the delivery of Human Services programs and services such as all Microsoft Office programs.

Nice to have:  

• Strong knowledge of community resources/services available to residents of Peel Region.

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan including psychological health, effective start date
• Voluntary enrolment into OMERS pension plan
• Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis (where applicable) starting at 3 weeks per annum 
• 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance (where applicable) 
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion 
• Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources 

Work Mode & Job Location: 

In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. A minimum of two days per week on-site is expected, with additional in-person presence as operational needs evolve. This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility and is subject to change over time.

It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved. 

Interview: Our recruitment process will include video conference technology.

Assessment: There will be an Assessment to be completed as part of the recruitment process. All communication will be sent to the email address attached to your application submission.

Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line. 

Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon.  Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.

We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible.  A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.

Our workforce is 6,700 strong and since 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support. 

Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month® with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.

Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.

Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact zzg-hrtalentacquisition@peelregion.ca 

Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.